August 25, 2020 | International, Aerospace, C4ISR
Israel-based Orbit Communications Systems Ltd. reported on Sunday that it has entered a $46 million agreement with Lockheed Martin to provide the company's Orion Combat system as the next generation of the 3D communication and audio management system for the American company's F-16 fighter jets. According to the company's statement, the agreement includes development, manufacturing, and support for the advanced system.
Orbit, which is controlled by FIMI Opportunity Funds, specializes in precision tracking-based communications – in the areas of satellite communications, telemetry, and remote sensing – and provides an innovative solution for airborne audio management.
Orbit's announcement came out a week after Lockheed Martin announced a $62 billion contract to sell 90 F-16 aircraft. In a rare move, the company did not reveal the identity of the buyers, in all likelihood due to Chinese sensitivity surrounding sale of fighter jets to Taiwan, which according to some reports plans on purchasing 66 aircraft, alongside Slovakia which plans to purchase 13 jets and Bulgaria which ordered eight of them.
The agreement between Orbit and Lockheed Martin will grow substantially if the latter wins a $15 billion tender to supply India with its F-21 jets, a special version of the F-16, which it says is "specifically configured for the Indian Air Force," and which will be manufactured locally. The F-21 is competing against the European Eurofighter Typhoon, French company Dassault's Rafale twin-engine fighter, and the Russian-made Mig 35. For the F-21, Orbit plans to team up with the ELCOM and CPC Radant companies, which are designated to serve as the subcontractors in India.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3846198,00.html
September 12, 2023 | International, Aerospace
The Air Force's planned tests will make sure the new Compass Call's electronic warfare capabilities have been properly integrated into the Gulfstream jet.
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The agreement, announced June 5, commits Lockheed to 15 launch reservations and up to 10 optional missions.
June 3, 2020 | International, Aerospace
Marietta, Ga., May 29, 2020 — Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) recently delivered the first KC-130J Super Hercules tanker assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452 (VMGR-452), the Marine Forces Reserve squadron at Stewart Air National Guard Base, New York. A U.S. Marine Corps crew ferried the aircraft from Lockheed Martin's facility here on May 28 to the aircraft's new home. VMGR-452 is the second Marine Reserve squadron to operate KC-130Js and this delivery signifies the recapitalization of the squadron's existing KC-130T fleet. VMGR-452 — known as the Yankees — has operated Hercules tankers for more than 30 years, flying KC-130s in support of Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. “The KC-130 Hercules tanker has been a pivotal part of Marine Corps aviation operations since 1960, a relationship that began with the KC-130F and R-models, transitioned to the KC-130T and continues now with the KC-130J Super Hercules,” said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business. “Our C-130 team knows this delivery is significant and represents increased capability for VMGR-452. We are proud to support our Marine aviation partners as they continue to be ‘first to fight'." KC-130s are operated in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) commander by providing tactical in-flight refueling for fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and tilt-rotor aircraft; aviation delivered ground refueling of aircraft or tactical vehicles; assault air transport or air-landed or aerial-delivered (parachute) personnel and equipment; pathfinder support, battlefield illumination; tactical aeromedical evacuation; and tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel support. The proven and battle-tested KC-130J builds on the Hercules' proven tanker refueling system while taking full advantage of the tremendous technological and performance enhancements found only in a Super Hercules. Compared to legacy models, the KC-130J delivers increased speed and fuel efficiency, improved payload/range capabilities, an integrated defensive suite, automated maintenance fault reporting, high-altitude ramp and door hydraulics, and unmatched situational awareness with its digital avionics and dual Head Up Displays. The KC-130J is one of nine production variants of the C-130J Super Hercules, the current production model of the legendary C-130 Hercules aircraft. With 460+ aircraft delivered, the C‑130J is the airlifter of choice for 20 nations. The global Super Hercules fleet has more than 2 million flight hours of experience supporting almost any mission requirement — anytime, anywhere. The U.S. Marine Corps has the distinction of operating the largest KC-130J Super Hercules fleet in the world. This delivery continues the U.S. government's transition to the C-130J as the common platform across Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard. For additional information, visit: www.lockheedmartin.com/c130 About Lockheed Martin Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 110,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services View source version on Lockheed Martin: https://news.lockheedmartin.com/lockheed-martin-delivers-first-kc-130j-super-hercules-tanker-us-marine-corps-reserve-squadron-stewart-angb-new-york